Description
Crispy and flavorful Air Fryer Pretzel Crusted Chicken Tenders made with tender chicken strips coated in a crunchy pretzel crust. This quick and easy recipe uses an air fryer to deliver a healthier version of classic chicken tenders with a salty, crispy exterior and juicy inside, perfect for a snack, appetizer, or meal.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch thick strips
Coating
- 3 1/2 cups salted pretzels, crushed to almost fine
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise (light or regular)
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
Instructions
- Preheat Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 400°F (204°C) and allow it to preheat to ensure even cooking and a crispy crust.
- Prepare Pretzel Crumbs and Egg Mixture: Place the salted pretzels in a ziplock bag and crush them with a rolling pin or flat mallet until finely crushed. Transfer to a shallow bowl. In another shallow bowl, whisk together the egg, all-purpose flour, mayonnaise, kosher salt, and black pepper until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Coat Chicken Strips: Dip each chicken strip into the egg mixture, making sure to coat all sides thoroughly. Then press the coated strips into the crushed pretzels, gently pressing so the pretzel crumbs adhere well to the chicken. Place the coated chicken strips onto parchment paper or a plate.
- Prepare Air Fryer Basket: Lightly grease the air fryer rack or basket with oil to prevent sticking. Arrange the chicken strips in a single layer without overlapping, leaving space between each piece for even air circulation. Lightly spray or brush the coated chicken with a small amount of oil for extra crispiness.
- Cook Chicken Tenders: Air fry the chicken strips for 3 minutes at 400°F. Carefully flip each strip, coat again with a small amount of oil, then continue cooking for an additional 2 to 3 minutes, until the pretzel crust is golden brown and the chicken is cooked through.
- Repeat and Serve: Cook any remaining chicken strips in batches following the same process. Once done, serve the crispy pretzel crusted chicken tenders hot with your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
- For best results, use salted pretzels to add flavor to the crust.
- Mayonnaise in the egg mixture helps keep the chicken juicy and improves coating adhesion.
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
- If you do not have an air fryer, you can bake the chicken strips at 425°F for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Use parchment paper to transfer coated chicken strips easily without losing coating.